Villa Idi: pure relaxation in the heart of Crete

A serene rural retreat with private pool in the delightful Amari Valley.

Overlooking the terracotta rooftops of the village of Amari, Villa Idi can accommodate up to eight guests comfortably. The two-storey property has an interior area of 140 square metres, a comfortable living room, kitchen and dining areas, three bedrooms (comprising double and single bed options), and two bathrooms.

Villa Idi is a traditional stone-built dwelling and was the former home of the owner’s grandparents. A typical rural residence built in the mid-1800s, today the villa exudes a unique charm, with its sensitive renovation carefully blending original features with contemporary comfort.

With spectacular views across the Amari Valley to Mount Ida, and a location that guarantees peace and tranquility, Villa Idi offers guests that most elusive of experiences - a beautiful refuge in which to unwind and recharge, enriched by the traditions of "the real Crete".

The property has been in the owner’s family for generations. In his childhood, Manolis spent his summer holidays here with his “papou” and “yiayia” (grandfather and grandmother). Decades later, Manolis restored the building for the sake of those sweet summers and transformed it into one of Crete’s most delightful and sought-after holiday homes.

Amari village ('Nefs Amari') is a small traditional village in the heart of Rethymno province in central Crete. A 40-minute drive south of Rethymno town, Villa Idi is set on high ground just below village’s Venetian church with marvelous views across the Amari Valley to the highest mountain in Crete - Mount Ida (Psiloritis).

The interior of Villa Idi comprises many traditional furnishings and historical artefacts - including wood-burning fireplace - with a fully-equipped contemporary kitchen, central heating, air-conditioning and modern appliances. Capacity may be extended to nine guests if required. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and the living room features a flat-screen TV and a device-compatible DVD/CD player/home cinema system.

The villa's terrace comprises a private swimming pool and sunbathing area with sunbeds. With superb views to Mount Ida and across the valley, the terrace includes BBQ facilities and a dining area.

Villa Idi is a unique property in the region, combining luxury and comfort unparalleled in the Amari Valley. The village of Amari, located centrally in the Valley, is ideal for hikers and visitors wishing to explore the landscape and surrounding communities.

Equidistant from Crete's north and south coasts, Villa Idi is perfectly placed, allowing guests easy access to the south coast's beautiful (and less-used) beaches, as well as the more developed north coast. The Old Town of Rethymno is less than an hour's drive away, so visiting this popular location - one of the most intact medieval towns in Greece - is easy.

Guest services

The villa is looked after by "Mrs Rumy" (pronounced "roomy") who lives nearby and she is available to take care of any guests’ needs, including changing of linen and cleaning services. As a highly skilled cook, Mrs Rumy also offers guests an exclusive range of authentic Cretan and Mediterranean dishes. All the meals provided are homemade, using fresh seasonal ingredients - all from local suppliers. Prices for meals are available on request.

Children

For youngsters and the young at heart, Villa Idi has a range of toys, games, books and movies to choose from. Baby cots and highchairs are available. The village has a basketball and volleyball court plus open spaces for games, and the lack of traffic in the village offers a safe and friendly environment for children to explore.

Your stay

Full information about the villa and the area and detailed driving and access directions will be emailed to you, a month before your stay. On your arrival, owner Manolis will be there to welcome you and give you a tour of the villa.

Manolis lives in Rethymnon city but visits the village every 3-4 days and is also available at anytime by phone or email for questions and tips, before or during your stay. He will be also delighted to share with you the story of the house, his family and the Amari, and, if possible, to guide you to his favorite places around.

Villa Idi has belonged to the family for more than 150 years. From its earliest times, the house was an open place where neighbours and the community used to met for joyful gatherings. Wanting to keep the same spirit alive, Manolis has decorated the villa with unique pieces of embroidery made by his mother and grandmother, and many original objects and furniture. These precious heirlooms remind us of the history of the house and offer the familiar, tranquil atmosphere of a time bygone.

The small garden around the villa contains flowers, aromatic herbs and a few trees. Guests can feel free to pick the garden’s produce which includes rosemary, almonds, lemons and pomegranates.

Your journey to the Amari

Heraklion and Chania airports are approximately 100km from the village of Amari, and a journey by car from either will take not much more than 90 minutes. While the Amari valley is serviced by public transport car hire is strongly advised. The owner can provide recommendations for car hire providers at Chania, Heraklion or Rethymno. Pick-ups from either airport can also be arranged.

The area

The Amari Valley lies between two mountain ranges - Mount Ida to its east and the Kedros range to the west. The Valley is one of a few regions of Crete where the traditional Cretan rural way of life is still present. It is a place of unique nature and of cultural traditions which are central to the lives of its people today.

The village of Amari is set on the eastern slope of Samitos mountain. Peaceful and with little traffic entering this tiny hamlet (average resident population 200), the only sounds likely to break the silence are the tinkling of goat bells and the ringing of the village’s church bells.

Surrounded by ancient olive groves, vineyards and citrus orchards, the area is a gentle hiker’s paradise. The nearby landscape, dotted with tiny, often hidden, byzantine chapels, is a joy to explore by foot, while the Amari Valley lends itself to lazy exploration by car along its latticework of beautiful tree-shaded lanes and mountain paths.

Numerous paths starting from Amari and nearby villages guide you to magnificent natural and historically important sites. For the more adventurous, there is of course Mount Ida to scale at 2456 metres, Crete’s most sacred peak. The E4 walking path runs through the village of Amari.

The area surrounding the village of Amari is rich in history with several sites dating to Minoan and Byzantine times. Important locations include the ancient town of Syvritos, near the village of Thronos (7 km), and excavations of a Minoan palace in the village of Monastiraki (2 km).

Crete is famous for its breathtaking gorges and some of the most beautiful are in the Amari Valley. They include the gorge of Agios Antonios, near Patsos (14 km); and Platania Gorge (7 km) on the western edge of Mount Ida. The towering Kourtaliotiko Gorge, 32 km west of Amari, provides the most direct route to Plakias and the south coast.

Many significant archaeological and historical sites are within a one-hour drive, including Arkadi Monastery (13 km), Ancient Eleftherna (21 km), Festos Minoan Palace, (38 km) and Preveli Monastery (40 km).